Improvement in firemen s ladders



P. PORTA.

Firemens Ladders.

'No.l50,888, Patented May12,1874.

WITNESSES'.

'UNITED S'IA'IFsQ PAOLO PORTA, OF MILAN, ITALY, Assicnon 'ro MICHAEL UDAAND MARY PA'FEN'I` OFFICEo BELLE SCOTT UDA.

IMPROVEMENT lN FIREMENS LAD'DERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 150,888, dated May l?,1874; application filed February 9, 1874.

` To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, PAOLO PORTA, of the city of Milan and Kingdom ofItaly, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Flying Ladders; anddeclare the following to be such a full, clear, and exact descriptionthereof as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains tomake and use it, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, whichmake a part of this specification.

lVIy invention relates to improvements in what I term flying ladders. l

In the drawings, Figure l represents a side elevation, showing theladder extended and in its operative condition, Fig. 2, a view showingthe ladder folded or in its inoperative con dition; Fig. 3, a plan viewof the swinging rear brace or supporting-frame.

My invention consists of the various devices and combinations of parts,as hereinafter specied and claimed, whereiny A representsthe lowersection of the ladder, secured to the axle b of the wheels B. At thelowerend of this section A, and extending at a slightly obtuse anglefrom the same, is a platform, C. Sliding in grooves or slots in the topedges of the sides of this platform C are counterbalanceweights c,which, by their adjustment, counteract any tendency of the ladder to tipover. The front part of the platform G is supported either on the feetcl,or by the adjustable caster D, by which adjustable caster the angleor tilt of the ladder may also be regulated. A' represents the topsection of the ladder, joined to section A by means of strap-loops e onthe ends of the sections, halved into each other and keyed by the flatkey E, which key forms one of the rungs of the ladder. Situated near theends of each section A A are posts f f 1, provided with spurs f2, onwhich spurs the ends of the dierent braces are placed and held by pinsf3. The lower sectionA of the ladder is braced and held in position bythe bar K, which extends from the platform C to the topl of the lowersection, and is held by posts f g. K1 is a tierod which unites the outerends of the two posts f f1, and K2 a diagonal straining-rod exA tendingfrom the top end of the post f to the base of post f1. These rods, inconnection with the bar K, form a rigid and continuous brace for theladder. Attached to the lower section' A near its top end, andprojecting rearward, are posts or supporting-legs, E, to the crossbar Eof which is hinged the swinging rear support F. This rear brace orsupport consists of a frame-work, Fig. 3, provided at its lower end withadjustable feet F. 't' is a bar, pivoted at its center to this framework, which, when the ladder is raised and the frame or support Fsecured in position by the braces j, forms a handle by which to turn oradjust the position of the ladder. I is a brace extending from the topof the ladder to the ends of cross-bar of the posts or legs E. Thesebraces, in connection with the swinging support F, form a rigid rearsupport for the extended ladder.

When the ladder is not in use, and it is intended to be moved from placeto place, the machine is lowered, and rests on the legs or posts E, Fig.2, the top section removed and placed on top of the base section, asshown, the rear support F folded up and secured by hooks m. The machineis now in the form of a pushcart,7 and may be moved `to any desiredplace. h is thehandle or bar by which the machine -is pushed or handled.

When it is desired to put the device to use, the top section is removedand properly attached to the lower section, the rods and bracesadjusted, and the ladder raised by pulling down on the platform C, whichraises the ladder up, Fig. l. The caster and the adjustable feet F arethen adjusted to any desired degree, and the machine is ready for use.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

l. The ladder A, provided with a rigid augular lever-arm, G, andadjustable counterpoise c attached thereto, the whole poised upon theaxle of a two-wheel truck, B, substantially as set forth and shown.

2, In combination with a ladder, the underneath support, composed ofposts or legs F, the hand-bar t', pivoted to the brace F, as E,removable brace I7 adjustable brace F7 and `and for the purpose setforth.

stays j, substantially as set forth. In testimony that I claim theibregoing, I

3. The adjustable brace F7 composed of the hereunto set my hand.-adjustable legs Fl and swinging stays j, sub- Witnesses: PAOLO PORTA.stantially as and for the purposes described. BARTHELMY GRAILLE,

4. In combination with the adjustable brace DOMENICO CROJA OYTO.

